The game started well for Titans, we held shape, we created multiple chances. Totally opposite to how we normally start our matches but this was positive. We imposed ourselves well with competitive hockey all over the field. At this point Laurence’s go go gadget reach to tackle the player failed and he injured his shoulder which ruled him out of the game. The forcefield was dented and H&W took control of the game and through their persistence were able to convert their SC and go 1-0 up. The troops began to rally again and created more chances with Malcolm able to drive forward from defence and distribute the passes on the right. A few SCs were won by Titans but we seem to fall at the final hurdle by not converting successfully. H&W must have identified the threat and were able to re-organise which made it difficult for the Titans to impose themselves and it was clearly evident we resorted to the long balls which didn’t reach the forwards. Yes the forwards may be hiding and not able to step forward of the defenders but H&W set up a 2 line defence to ensure long balls were nullified. Despite the efforts of Randall, Joergen and Jatin up front, we were marked well.

 

Titans found it hard to challenge the might of H&W attacks and found a way through to increase their goal tally to 2-0. Half time couldn’t have come quicker. Angry faces, stern words, a few slaps across the faces were needed to wake up, the words of the captain bellowing frustration, a few composed words from others were muttered to rally the troops …“The next goal is key to this game”…and we went again for the 2^nd half. We react well to pressure, we step up when we are a goal or 2 down but this creates a mountain to climb. We needed to stay focused, patient, and with this came our good spell where we were able to transition the ball well across the back and grew in confidence to mount a challenge.  It’s like we need a kick up the arse week in week out to switch on!! Biffi and Ali had their hands full, a wall of H&W made it difficult to channel our passes forward. Sideways we went left and right (more right than left some would say) We used the flanks well and with the likes of Nigel, Duncan & Greg helping transition the ball forward. Their job in midfield was made difficult all afternoon. We keep saying, if you see the pass, make it and make it quick but on one occasion the pass was intercepted and it ended up in our D. After a small exchange of “to you, to me, to you to me and back to you” between Justin and a few H&W players, the ball was slotted home and H&W increased their lead to 3-0. Enough said!!

 

We used our subs well with a cameo role by Shamit who comes back to the squad aiming to test his knees which has had more slices then a cucumber. We also welcomed Woody back to the fold who secretly loves playing for the Titans but outside forces hamper his constant availability. Both Howie and Bill were a big miss due to injuries and with keen eye to stay fit for the upcoming World Cup. Also missing was Wiz who hammered his hamstrings so hard in the previous 2 games that he had to pull out.

 

Ok, lets get back to the hockey….3-0 down, suddenly there is more chat, there is more intensity, a purpose but shame not enough time! Let’s start playing, lets rethink of what we are supposed to do, shift the ball with intensity left to right, do not lose possession, pass to our own players, use the left hand side if the right is blocked. We still got just under 20 mins to go. A barrage of pressure from the left hand side with the help of Ben and Randall saw the ball crossed and the bouncing ball fell kindly to Jatin at the far post to slot home the first and the start of more to come. Suddenly we felt good, all the instructions of how to play hockey, what to do, when to do it came flooding back and we displayed a desire to score another one. It wasn’t long before we were back at it again attacking the H&W D and we got our wish with a second to make it 3-2. At this point the only debate going on was who actually scored as it seems Wolffe pushed the ball into the far corner which the keeper failed to intercept, the ball was surely going in but Joergen ensured it went in. Whose goal should it be. Only a review from VAR (Team TV) can confirm and the confirmation at 1:26:01 proves that the ball was indeed travelling into goal and didn’t need a touch – so the goal is awarded to Wolffe. Surely the come back is on. We have been here before and there is no turning back. We pushed up in search of the equaliser (no, not Edward Woodward) but the 3^rd goal. Despite a valiant effort we lost possession and conceded the 4^th goal which was surely the end of the spirited fight back. The final whistle followed, heads down, another loss but there is a long way to go.

 

Apologies if the report this week is more about hockey than the Longitude and history of where we play. I am sure more can be written to make it informative and pleasant to read but let’s stop dreaming and type 1000 words in a match report with less than a ¼ of it only hockey related.

 

Dwell on the following Mantras….